Networking/Security
My networking skills have all been learnt on TCP/IP infrastructures and this has allowed me to attain a decent working knowledge of how subnets (now that's a head-wrecking topic!), hubs, switches, cabling, DHCP, DNS, wireless, VPN's and firewalls all work together. As an IT Manager, I was responsible for the security of internal and external networks and I'm as certain as I can be that none of the securities under my guard were breached during my time in charge. I'm not a security expert by any means (no I couldn't provide systems security for a bank), but I know enough to implement a level of protection sufficient for the needs of the average business.
Whilst I'm on the subject of security, I became versed in the rollout and management of anti-virus solutions onto desktop PC's and servers where there was no anti-virus policy in place. Removing viruses from PC's is a time consuming and often complicated business and I am often asked to implement anti-virus strategies – as well as remove infections from PC's not under my jurisdiction. Another often overlooked area of home and small business IT setups is backup procedures. Believe me, there's no sicker feeling than losing data that hasn't been backed up. Experience it ONCE and ONCE only if you REALLY have to. Otherwise, implement a backup regime ASAP, even if it's only onto a USB memory stick. If you need advice in any of these areas about protecting your data then I'll be more than happy to advise.
One of the most frightening things I see is the number of home PC's with one user account giving full administrative privelages to every person who logs onto it. This is a BIG NO-NO where kids are concerned. I've lost count of the times I've had to fix PC's that have been corrupted by the actions of children who have been able to have free range of the Internet under an administrator account. Unfortunately, a lot of the time this has been caused by visits to websites of an 'adult' nature which leads to horrified parents asking me to lock down their PC appropriately for child use. Even if the horse has bolted, it's never too late to implement security if you plan to have a computer in your house long-term. Once again, this is a service I can offer advice on and implement.
In 2008, I was asked to implement a strategy for a client to cover PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) compliance. This starts off as a scary letter from a company representing your bank's card terminal services provider, resulting in the rapid rise of the business proprietors blood pressure. However, to my clients relief, we found out that it's not impossible to satisfy the requirements as long as you take the time to review your individual circumstances and make an action plan. If you have any worries about PCI DSS compliance, then you may like to consider contacting me to discuss.
